Ground beef pie is a traditional dish that has passed from generation to generation in many family cuisines. It is a simple, juicy and full of flavor preparation, ideal for any meal of the day. Its origin goes back to homemade recipes that take advantage of basic ingredients to create a blunt and nutritious dish. The combination of ground meat with vegetables, spices and a touch of gratin cheese makes it a versatile option that children and adults like. It is perfect to serve accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice or a fresh salad, and can be prepared in advance, which makes it very practical for family meals or dinners with friends. In addition, it admits variations according to tastes, such as adding other vegetables or changing the type of cheese. It is a dish that never fails and that always leaves a good taste in the mouth.
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 45 minutes
Total time 1 hour
Portions 6 portions
Calories 350 kcal per serving
Difficulty Easy
Type of kitchen Homemade / Traditional
Why are you going to love this meatcake?
Because it combines the juiciness of ground meat with the soft texture provided by the grated carrot and the breadcrumbs moistened in milk. The result is a tender, tasty and very easy to prepare cake with ingredients that we all have at home. The mustard and English sauce give it a touch of flavor that enhances the whole without mastering it, while the gratin cheese layer (optional) adds a golden and crispy texture that makes it even more appetizing. It is a complete dish that can be served with different side dishes and that is also preserved very well to reheat the next day. It is the type of recipe that always triumphs and that becomes a staple of home cooking.
500 g ground beef
1 small, finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 grated carrot
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon English sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated cheese (optional for gratin)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Team Needed
A big bowl to mix
A baking pan (can be round, square or plumcake)
A spoon or spatula to press the meat
A fountain for oven
A knife and cutting board to chop the ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Prepare the meat mixture
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, English sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Knead well until you integrate all the ingredients.
3. Forming the cake
Place the mixture in a baking pan previously greased with olive oil. Press the meat to stay even.
4. Bake
Bake for 40 minutes or until meatloaf is cooked. If you want, during the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated cheese on top and let it gratine.
5. Rest and serve
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Accompany with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Meat Cake
Mix without excess: Knead the meat only what is necessary to integrate the ingredients. If you knead too much, the cake can be hard instead of tender.
Add moisture: The milk-wet grated breadfled helps the cake to be juicy. Do not remove this ingredient.
Grated carrot: The carrot not only adds flavor, but also adds moisture and natural sweetness to the mixture.
Rest before cutting: Let the cake rest a few minutes after baking allows the juices to be redistributed and held firm when cutting.
Variations: You can add other vegetables such as chopped red pepper, mushrooms or spinach, provided they are well drained so as not to add extra moisture.
Gratin cheese: The grated cheese at the end gives it a golden and crispy touch. You can use mozzarella, cheddar cheese or a mixture of melt cheeses.
How to serve this meat cake?
Serve the hot meat pie, in thick slices, accompanied by mashed potatoes, white rice, stir-fry vegetables or a green salad. It also looks delicious with a homemade tomato sauce or a mushroom sauce. It is a dish that adapts to any side dish and that works for both a casual meal and a more elaborate dinner. You can decorate with a little chopped fresh parsley to give it a touch of color before serving.
Can It Be Preserved?
Yes, the meatloaf is perfectly preserved in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, either covered or in an airtight container. It can also be frozen, either whole or in portions, wrapped in film paper and then in foil. It is stored for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, place the portions in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until they are very hot.
Don’t Have Any Ingredients?
Don’t you have breadcrumbs? You can use ground oat flakes, crushed crackers or even cooked rice.
You don’t have milk? You can use natural yogurt or some meat broth.
Don’t you have English sauce? You can skip it or replace it with a splash of soy sauce.
You don’t have mustard? You can skip it or use some tomato paste to give a different touch.
Don’t you have carrots? You can add grated zucchini or very fine chopped celery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground pork, turkey or a mixture of beef and pork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the fat in the meat.
How do I know the meatloaf is well cooked?
The cake is ready when the surface is golden and the interior reaches an internal temperature of 70-75°C. You can check it with a cooking thermometer or by scorching with a knife; the juices should be clear.
Can it be done in a pan instead of oven?
Yes, you can cook it in a large skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for about 20-25 minutes on each side, but it will not be as compact as in the oven and it is easier to disarm.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add red pepper, chopped or even spinach mushrooms. Make sure the vegetables are well chopped and if they release plenty of water, drain them before incorporating them.
Which garnises combine best?
Mashed potatoes is the classic accompaniment, but it also goes very well with rice, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad or even with pasta.
